The Benefits of Horseback Riding Part 2: Who Should Ride Horses?

Anyone who chooses to take a lesson with a qualified instructor can experience hours of joy on the back of a majestic animal. And, while it may seem like a sport only some of a certain age and body type can excel at, people of every walk of life have found great success and enjoyment in being with horses.

A Sport For All-Ages

The main priorities of a parent signing their 10-year-old up for riding will probably differ from a 40-year-old office worker suffering from stiffness after a long day on the job. However, horseback riding is a sport that caters to the needs of the young and old alike.

For Younger Riders

Many children feel a strong innate desire to ride horses. The robust social, intellectual, and physical benefits of letting kids take riding lessons are a good reason to say 'yes' when your child starts begging to ride.

Having a creative and athletic outlet outside of school keeps children's minds fresh. They will be having so much fun, they won't even realize they're learning. Plus, the skills they practice at riding lessons (such as listening, patience, responsibility, and perseverance) can help them in the classroom.

Many children have an innate love for horses

Horseback riding lessons are also a great social outlet for youngsters as many beneficial friendships are built at a lesson barn.

For many young students, horseback riding becomes a lifelong passion and obsession for years to come. Horse-crazy children often grow into horse-crazy teenagers who spend more time at the barn than they do at home. Luckily for parents, horseback riding is a great way to keep teenagers' active minds out of trouble.

Horseback riding teaches responsibility and respect, important traits that will be carried with them throughout high school and college. After all, who has time to party all night when they have a horse show to get to in the morning?

For Older Riders

Horseback riding is just as attainable for older riders and is a great way for adults to pursue their passion and break out of a mundane professional routine.

Riding is enjoyed equally by older riders.

As we get older, it gets harder to find friends. Taking lessons creates a weekly commitment to get out of the house with like-minded individuals.

Additionally, many adults are forced to shoulder a lot of responsibility at work, however, in lessons they get to be supported by their riding instructor and work towards personal goals. It's a great way to break out of the professional routine and focus on themselves while meeting new people.

Horseback riding boasts numerous physical benefits for adults, in particular [1]. Riding brings flexibility to stiff muscles and joints. Sitting on a horse helps improve posture and balance and can alleviate aches and pains. Taking lessons is a great way to keep feeling young!

[1]The Equine Professional Manual: The Art of Teaching Riding (Certified Horsemanship Association, 2016) 23-26

Riders with Disabilities

It's a common misconception that you need to be able-bodied to ride horses. In reality, with a few modifications, riders with disabilities can enjoy many of the same activities as able-bodied riders.

Today, there are numerous organizations with the mission to get more para-equestrian competitions and events available. Currently, the FEI offers dressage and driving for para-equestrians.

Therapeutic Riding Lessons

Marita Hird riding in the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games.

Therapeutic riding is gaining popularity with hundreds of specialized facilities operating across the country. Therapeutic riding is a specially adapted horseback riding program offered to help people with disabilities. These lessons can benefit a wide variety of disabilities including:

• ADHD

• Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

• Stroke

• Autism

• Addiction

• PTSD

• Amputations

• Cerebral Palsy

• Muscular Dystrophy

• Spina Bifida

• Hypo and Hypertonia

• Orthopedic Conditions

• Behavioral Problems

• Learning Disabilities

  
  

Therapeutic riding lessons have been proven to provide benefits for students. Often people with physical disabilities can gain increased mobility and self-sufficiency while others benefit from increased self-esteem, emotional regulation, and communication skills. People who struggle to interact effectively with others, often find the companionship of their horse helpful in their treatment. Plus, for those with a passion for horses, getting to be around these majestic creatures makes therapy more enjoyable.

Therapeutic riding lessons may be held in conjunction with a standard recreational riding program but should always be carried out by a specially certified riding instructor. To learn more about therapeutic riding, PATH International is a great place to connect with accredited programs.

Even If You’re Not a Horseback Rider

Even if horseback riding isn't your main sport, it can still be a valuable addition to your workout routine. Today, many athletes are cross-conditioning to help improve their performance. Cross-conditioning is the practice of varying your workout routine to help prevent boredom and repetitive injuries and improve strength and endurance.

Horseback riding forces students to use muscles they wouldn't otherwise, helping athletes fix muscular imbalances. Horseback riding also improves flexibility, balance, and coordination, aspects that are often overlooked in other sports. Therefore, adding a riding lesson each week can help you make improvements whether you are a runner, cyclist, gymnast, or weight lifter.

What If I Don’t Want to Ride?

Spending time on the ground with horses can be just as rewarding as riding

Getting on a 1000 lbs. animal with a mind of its own isn't for everyone. Many people are led to believe that the only way to enjoy horses is to ride them, but that is not true. Just because you don't want to ride, doesn't mean you can't enjoy these majestic creatures.

Those who don't want to ride can still brush, walk, and train horses from the ground. After all, the best horse people are the ones who understand the importance of all the things you do when not riding.

If you're interested in learning more about horses, find a riding school that offers groundwork lessons, camps, or classroom experiences.

---

Horseback riding is a sport that can be loved by all. Young, old, athletic, or not can all find immense joy in spending time with horses. If you're interested in taking riding lessons, research local riding schools in your area. There's no time like the present to get started on your riding journey!